Voltage converter

ABSTRACT

A voltage converter including first to fourth switches between a first voltage node and ground, fifth to eighth switches between the first voltage node and the ground, a first floating capacitor between a first node between the first and second switches and a second node between the third and fourth switches, a second floating capacitor between a third node between the fifth and sixth switches and a fourth node between the seventh and eighth switches, a ninth switch between a second voltage node and a center node, a first inductor between the second node and a third voltage node, a center capacitor between the center node and the ground, a tenth switch between the second voltage node and the third voltage node, a first capacitor between the third voltage node and the ground, and a second capacitor between the second voltage node and the ground may be provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/850,413, filed on Apr. 16, 2020, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0111440 filed onSep. 9, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosureof each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Some example embodiments of the inventive concepts described hereinrelate to semiconductor devices, and more particularly, relate tovoltage converters configured to perform various buck conversions andboost conversions.

Electronic devices generate and use voltages of various levels therein.In particular, mobile devices, which use a battery, such as a smartphoneand a smart pad may generate voltages of various levels due to thebattery.

When a mobile device is connected to a charger, the mobile device mayseparately generate a voltage for charging a battery and a voltage to besupplied to internal components based on an external power. Also, in thecase where the mobile device is connected to a device, which is suppliedwith a power from the mobile device, such as an on the go (OTG) device,the mobile device may generate a voltage to be supplied to the externalmobile device based on a voltage of a battery.

Because the mobile device generates various voltages, the mobile devicemay include a plurality of voltage converters. This causes an increasein costs for manufacturing the mobile device and an increase in the sizeof the mobile device.

SUMMARY

Some example embodiments of the inventive concepts provide voltageconverters configured to perform various buck conversions and boostconversions.

According to an example embodiment, a voltage converter includes firstto fourth switches that are sequentially connected between a firstvoltage node and a ground node, fifth to eighth switches that aresequentially connected between the first voltage node and the groundnode and are in parallel with the first to fourth switches, a firstfloating capacitor that is connected between a first node between thefirst and second switches and a second node between the third and fourthswitches, a second floating capacitor that is connected between a thirdnode between the fifth and sixth switches and a fourth node between theseventh and eighth switches, a ninth switch that is connected between asecond voltage node, the center node being a node to which a nodebetween the second and third switches and a node between the sixth andseventh switches are connected in common, a first inductor that isconnected between the second node and a third voltage node, a centercapacitor that is connected between the center node and the ground node,a tenth switch that is connected between the second voltage node and thethird voltage node, a first capacitor that is connected between thethird voltage node and the ground node, and a second capacitor that isconnected between the second voltage node and the ground node.

According to an example embodiment, a voltage converter includes firstto fourth switches that are sequentially connected between a firstvoltage node and a ground node, fifth to eighth switches that aresequentially connected between the first voltage node and the groundnode and are in parallel with the first to fourth switches, a firstfloating capacitor that is connected between a first node between thefirst and second switches and a second node between the third and fourthswitches, a second floating capacitor that is connected between a thirdnode between the fifth and sixth switches and a fourth node between theseventh and eighth switches, a ninth switch that is connected between asecond voltage node and a center node, the center node being a node towhich a node between the second and third switches and a node betweenthe sixth and seventh switches are connected in common, a first inductorthat is connected between the first node and a third voltage node, acenter capacitor that is connected between the center node and theground node, a tenth switch that is connected between the second voltagenode and the third voltage node, a first capacitor that is connectedbetween the third voltage node and the ground node, and a secondcapacitor that is connected between the second voltage node and theground node.

According to an example embodiment, a voltage converter includes aswitched capacitor block connected between a first voltage node and aground node, the switched capacitor block including a plurality of firstswitches and a plurality of capacitors, a path control block connectedto a second voltage node, a third voltage node, and the switchedcapacitor block, the path control block including a plurality of secondswitches, and a passive element block that is connected to the secondvoltage node, the third voltage node, and the switched capacitor block,the passive element block including one or more capacitors and one ormore inductors. In a first type operation, the voltage converterreceives a first voltage at the first voltage node, converts the firstvoltage, and transfers the converted first voltage to at least one ofthe second voltage node or the third voltage node. In a second typeoperation, the voltage converter receives a second voltage at the firstvoltage node and transfers the second voltage to the second voltagenode. In a third type operation, the voltage converter receives a thirdvoltage at the second voltage node, converts the third voltage, andtransfers the converted third voltage to the first voltage node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the inventive concepts willbecome apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a voltage converter according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 2 illustrates a voltage converter implemented according to a firstexample embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a voltage converter set to a first mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a first type operation of a first mode.

FIG. 5 illustrates a voltage converter modeled depending on a first typeoperation of a first mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a second type operation of a first mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates a voltage converter modeled depending on a secondtype operation of a first mode.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a third type operation of a first mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates a voltage converter modeled depending on a third typeoperation of a first mode.

FIG. 10 illustrates a voltage converter set to a second mode.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a first type operation of a second mode.

FIG. 12 illustrates a voltage converter modeled depending on a firsttype operation of a second mode.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a second type operation of a second mode.

FIG. 14 illustrates a voltage converter modeled depending on a secondtype operation of a second mode.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operating method of a voltage converter accordingto the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a voltage converter according to a second exampleembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a voltage converter according to a third exampleembodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a voltage converter according to a fourth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a voltage converter according to a fifth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a voltage converter according to a sixth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a voltage converter according to a seventh exampleembodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a voltage converter according to an eighth exampleembodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a computing system according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below, example embodiments of the inventive concepts may be described indetail and clearly to such an extent that a person of ordinary skill inthe art can easily implements the inventive concepts.

While the term “same,” “equal,” or “identical” is used in description ofexample embodiments, it should be understood that some imprecisions mayexist. Thus, when one element is referred to as being the same asanother element, it should be understood that an element or a value isthe same as another element within a desired manufacturing oroperational tolerance range (e.g., ±10%).

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in this specificationin connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associatednumerical value includes a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g.,±10%) around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when the words“generally” and “substantially” are used in connection with geometricshapes, it is intended that precision of the geometric shape is notrequired but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of thedisclosure. Further, regardless of whether numerical values or shapesare modified as “about” or “substantially,” it will be understood thatthese values and shapes should be construed as including a manufacturingor operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%) around the stated numerical valuesor shapes.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “atleast one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire listof elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. Thus,for example, both “at least one of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C”means either A, B, C or any combination thereof. (Expressions such as“at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entirelist of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.)

FIG. 1 illustrates a voltage converter 10 according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts. Referring to FIG. 1, the voltageconverter 10 includes a switched capacitor block 11, a path controlblock 12, a passive element block 13, a control block 14, a firstvoltage node VN1, a second voltage node VN2, and a third voltage nodeVN3.

The switched capacitor block 11 may be connected to the first voltagenode VN1, a ground node to which a ground voltage VSS is supplied, thepath control block 12, and the passive element block 13. The pathcontrol block 12 may be connected to the second voltage node VN2, thethird voltage node VN3, the switched capacitor block 11, and the passiveelement block 13. The passive element block 13 may be connected to thesecond voltage node VN2, the third voltage node VN3, the ground node,the switched capacitor block 11, and the path control block 12.

The switched capacitor block 11 may include switches connected betweenthe first voltage node VN1 and the ground node and capacitors connectedin parallel with the switches. The path control block 12 may change aconnection relationship between the second voltage node VN2, the thirdvoltage node VN3, and the switched capacitor block 11. The passiveelement block 13 may include passive elements such as capacitors andinductors.

The control block 14 may receive a control signal CTRL from an externaldevice. The control block 14 may adjust a mode and an operating type ofthe voltage converter 10 in response to the control signal CTRL.

The voltage converter 10 may perform various buck conversions and boostconversions depending on a mode and an operating type. For example, whena voltage is input to the first voltage node VN1, the voltage converter10 may operate in a first mode. In the first mode, depending on theoperating type, the voltage converter 10 may step down (e.g., decrease)a voltage of the first voltage node VN1 and may transfer the convertedvoltage to at least one of the second voltage node VN2 or the thirdvoltage node VN3. In this case, the voltage converter 10 may operate asa buck converter (e.g., a step-down converter).

In the first mode, depending on the operating type, the voltageconverter 10 may transfer a voltage of the first voltage node VN1 to thesecond voltage node VN2 (or the third voltage node VN3) withoutconverting the voltage of the first voltage node VN1.

When a voltage is input to the second voltage node VN2, the voltageconverter 10 may be in a second mode. In the second mode, depending onthe operating type, the voltage converter 10 may step up (e.g.,increase) a voltage of the second voltage node VN2 and may transfer theconverted voltage to the first voltage node VN1. In this case, thevoltage converter 10 may operate as a boost converter (e.g., a step-upconverter).

A buck conversion manner in which the voltage converter 10 decreases avoltage and a boost conversion manner in which the voltage converter 10increases a voltage may be selected depending on the operating type. Assuch, the voltage converter 10 may be configured to operate as variousbuck converters and boost converters. Accordingly, the voltage converter10 may replace various buck converters and boost converters.

FIG. 2 illustrates a voltage converter 100 implemented according to afirst example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the voltage converter 100may include an integrated circuit 110. The integrated circuit 110 may beconnected with the outside through first to ninth pads P1 to P9. Theintegrated circuit 110 may include first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4that are sequentially connected in series between the first pad P1 andthe second pad P2.

The integrated circuit 110 may further include fifth to eighth switchesSW5 to SW8 that are connected in parallel with the first to fourthswitches SW1 to SW4, which are disposed between the first pad P1 and thesecond pad P2, and are sequentially connected in series between thefirst pad P1 and the second pad P2.

A node between the second and third switches SW2 and SW3 and a nodebetween the sixth and seventh switches SW6 and SW7 may be connected toform a center node NM. The center node NM may be connected to the sixthpad P6. A first node N1 between the first and second switches SW1 andSW2 may be connected to the third pad P3. A second node N2 between thethird and fourth switches SW3 and SW4 may be connected to the seventhpad P7.

A third node N3 between the fifth and sixth switches SW5 and SW6 may beconnected to the eighth pad P8. A fourth node N4 between the seventh andeighth switches SW7 and SW8 may be connected to the ninth pad P9.

The integrated circuit 110 may further include a ninth switch SW9connected between the center node NM and the fourth pad P4 and a tenthswitch SW10 connected between the fourth pad P4 and the fifth pad P5.The integrated circuit 110 may further include a switch controller SCthat generates first to tenth signals S1 to S10 for controlling thefirst to tenth switches SW1 to SW10. The switch controller SC mayinclude processing circuitry such as hardware including logic circuitsor a hardware/software combination such as a processor executingsoftware. For example, the processing circuitry more specifically mayinclude, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) , anarithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, amicrocomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip(SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), etc.

The voltage converter 100 may further include the first voltage node VN1connected with the first pad P1, the second voltage node VN2 connectedwith the fourth pad P4, and the third voltage node VN3 connected withthe seventh pad P7 through a first inductor L1. Each of the first tothird voltage nodes VN1 to VN3 may be used to receive a voltage from theoutside or to output a voltage to the outside. The second pad P2 of theintegrated circuit 110 may be connected with the ground node.

The voltage converter 100 may further include a first floating capacitorCF1 connected between the third pad P3 and the seventh pad P7, a centercapacitor CM connected between the ground node supplied with a groundvoltage VSS and the sixth pad P6, the first inductor L1 connectedbetween the seventh pad P7 and the third voltage node VN3, a firstcapacitor C1 connected between the fifth pad P5 and the ground node, asecond capacitor C2 connected between the fourth pad P4 and the groundnode, and a second floating capacitor CF2 connected between the eighthpad P8 and the ninth pad P9.

In an example embodiment, the first to eighth switches SW1 to SW8, thefirst and second floating capacitors CF1 and CF2, and the centercapacitor CM may constitute the switched capacitor block 11 of FIG. 1.The ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 may constitute the pathcontrol block 12 of FIG. 1.

The first capacitor C1, the second capacitor C2, and the first inductorL1 may constitute the passive element block 13 of FIG. 1. The switchcontroller SC may constitute the control block 14 of FIG. 1. A paththrough which the control signal CTRL is transferred to the switchcontroller SC is not shown for the sake of simplicity.

In the above description given with reference to FIG. 2, componentsincluded in the integrated circuit 110, the switched capacitor block 11,the path control block 12, the passive element block 13, and the controlblock 14 are disclosed in detail. However, components included in eachof the integrated circuit 110, the switched capacitor block 11, the pathcontrol block 12, the passive element block 13, and the control block 14may be changed or modified.

For example, a component mentioned as being included in one of theintegrated circuit 110, the switched capacitor block 11, the pathcontrol block 12, the passive element block 13, or the control block 14may be included in another component as a portion thereof.

Further, at least one of components included in each of the integratedcircuit 110, the switched capacitor block 11, the path control block 12,the passive element block 13, or the control block 14 may be removed. Atleast one additional component may be added to at least one of theintegrated circuit 110, the switched capacitor block 11, the pathcontrol block 12, the passive element block 13, or the control block 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a voltage converter 100 a set to a first mode.Referring to FIG. 3, in the first mode, the voltage converter 100 a mayreceive an input voltage VIN at the first voltage node VN1. The voltageconverter 100 a may use at least one of the second voltage node VN2 orthe third voltage node VN3 as an output.

For example, the voltage converter 100 a may output a first outputvoltage VO1 at the second voltage node VN2, and may output a secondoutput voltage VO2 at the third voltage node VN3.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a first type operation in a first mode. FIG. 5 illustratesa voltage converter 100 a 1 modeled depending on a first type operationin a first mode. Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the ninth signal S9maintains a high level, and the ninth switch SW9 is turned on.Accordingly, the ninth switch SW9 is depicted as being short-circuited.

The tenth signal S10 maintains a low level, and the tenth switch SW10 isturned off. Accordingly, the tenth switch SW10 is depicted as beingopen. The fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7 toggle between the lowlevel and the high level in synchronization with each other.Accordingly, the fifth and seventh switches SW5 and SW7 toggle (orswitch) between turn-on and turn-off in synchronization with each other.For example, a duty ratio of the fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7 maybe 50%.

The sixth and eighth signals S6 and S8 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. The sixth and eighthsignals S6 and S8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth andseventh signals S5 and S7. Accordingly, the sixth and eighth switchesSW6 and SW8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth and seventhswitches SW5 and SW7.

In response to the fifth to eighth signals S5 to S8, the fifth to eighthswitches SW5 to SW8 operate as a switched capacitor voltage divider. Thefifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8 may adjust a level of a centervoltage VM of the center node NM to half the level of the input voltageVIN.

The first and third signals S1 and S3 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. Accordingly, thefirst to third switches SW1 and SW3 may toggle in synchronization witheach other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4 may toggle insynchronization with each other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4may toggle to be complementary to the first and third signals S1 and S3.Accordingly, the second and fourth switches SW2 and SW4 may toggle insynchronization with each other and may toggle to be complementary tothe first and third switches SW1 and SW3.

The third switch SW3, the fourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, andthe first capacitor C1 may function as a buck converter that uses thecenter voltage VM as an input. The third switch SW3, the fourth switchSW4, the first inductor L1, and the first capacitor C1 may perform buckconversion on the center voltage VM (e.g., the first output voltage VO1)and may generate the second output voltage VO2.

A level of the second output voltage VO2 may vary depending on a duty“D” (or a duty ratio) of the first and third signals S1 and S3 or a duty“1-D” (or a duty ratio) of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4. Theswitch controller SC may adjust the level of the second output voltageVO2 by adjusting the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the first and thirdsignals S1 and S3 or the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the secondand fourth signals S2 and S4. In the example embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, in which the ninth switch SW9 is turned on, and the tenthswitch SW10 is turned off, if D equals to 0.5, the first, third, fifth,and seventh switches SW1, SW3, SW5, and SW7 may toggle insynchronization with each other, and the second, fourth, sixth, andeighth switches SW2, SW4, SW6, and SW8 may toggle in synchronizationwith each other and may be complementary to the first, third, fifth, andseventh switches, respectively.

As the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the first and third signals S1and S3 increases or the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the second andfourth signals S2 and S4 decreases, the level of the second outputvoltage VO2 may increase. Conversely, as the duty “D” (or the dutyratio) of the first and third signals S1 and S3 decreases or the duty“1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4increases, the level of the second output voltage VO2 may decrease.

Because the first and third switches SW1 and SW3 and the second andfourth switches SW2 and SW4 toggle to be complementary to each other,the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 may reduce a ripple of theswitched capacitor voltage division that is performed by the fifth toeighth switches SW5 to SW8. For example, the fifth to eighth switchesSW5 to SW8 may function as a switched capacitor voltage divider of afirst phase, and the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 may function asa switched capacitor voltage divider of a replica second phase.

In an example embodiment, the switch controller SC may adjust a dutyratio of the first and third signals S1 and S3 to 50% and may adjust aduty ratio of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4 to 50%. In thiscase, the first to eighth switches SW1 to SW8 may function as a fully2-phase switched capacitor voltage divider, and thus, a ripple may befurther suppressed. The level of the first output voltage VO1 may behalf the level of the input voltage VIN, and the level of the secondoutput voltage VO2 may be half the level of the first output voltageVO1.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a second type operation in a first mode. FIG. 7 illustratesa voltage converter 100 a 2 modeled depending on a second type operationin a first mode. Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, the ninth signal S9maintains the low level, and thus the ninth switch SW9 is turned off.Accordingly, the ninth switch SW9 is depicted as being open.

The tenth signal S10 maintains the high level, and the tenth switch SW10is turned on. Accordingly, the tenth switch SW10 is depicted as beingshort-circuited. The sixth and seventh signals S6 and S7 may maintainthe low level, and thus the sixth and seventh switches SW6 and SW7 areturned off. Accordingly, the sixth and seventh switches SW6 and SW7 aredepicted as being open.

The second, third, fifth, and eighth signals S2, S3, S5, and S8 maymaintain the high level, and thus the second, third, fifth, and eighthswitches SW2, SW3, SW5, and SW8 are turned on. Accordingly, the second,third, fifth, and eighth switches SW2, SW3, SW5, and SW8 are depicted asbeing short-circuited.

As the second, third, fifth, eighth, and tenth switches SW2, SW3, SW5,SW8, and SW10 are short-circuited and the sixth, seventh, and ninthswitches SW6, SW7, and SW9 are open, the first and second floatingcapacitors CF1 and CF2, the center capacitor CM, and the secondcapacitor C2 may not contribute to a voltage converting operation of thevoltage converter 100 a 2. Accordingly, to describe the voltageconverting operation of the voltage converter 100 a 2 briefly, the firstand second floating capacitors CF1 and CF2, the center capacitor CM, andthe second capacitor C2 are marked by “X” in FIG. 7.

The first signal S1 toggles between the low level and the high level.Accordingly, the first switch SW1 may toggle in synchronization with thefirst signal S1. The fourth signal S4 may toggle to be complementary tothe first signal S1.

The first switch SW1, the fourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, andthe first capacitor C1 may function as a buck converter that uses theinput voltage VIN as an input. The first switch SW1, the fourth switchSW4, the first inductor L1, and the first capacitor C1 may perform buckconversion on the input voltage VIN (e.g., the first output voltage VO1)and may generate the second output voltage VO2.

A level of the second output voltage VO2 may vary depending on a duty“D” (or a duty ratio) of the first signal S1 or a duty “1-D” (or a dutyratio) of the fourth signal S4. The switch controller SC may adjust thelevel of the second output voltage VO2 by adjusting the duty “D” (or theduty ratio) of the first signal S1 or the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio)of the fourth signal S4.

For example, as the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the first signal S1increases or the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the fourth signal S4decreases, the level of the second output voltage VO2 may increase.Conversely, as the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the first signal S1decreases or the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the fourth signal S4increases, the level of the second output voltage VO2 may decrease.

The third voltage node VN3 is connected to the second voltage node VN2through the fifth pad P5, the tenth switch SW10 that has beenshort-circuited, and the fourth pad P4. Accordingly, the first outputvoltage VO1 may be identical to the second output voltage VO2. In anexample embodiment, the tenth switch SW10 may be turned off, and thusthe first output voltage VO1 may not be output.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a third type operation in a first mode. FIG. 9 illustratesa voltage converter 100 a 3 modeled depending on a third type operationin a first mode. Referring to FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, first, second, fourth,fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth signals S1, S2, S4, S5, S6, S8, and S9are maintained at the high level. Accordingly, the first, second,fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth switches SW1, SW2, SW4, SW5,SW6, SW8, and SW9 are turned on, and thus are depicted as beingshort-circuited.

The third, seventh, and tenth signals S3, S7, and S10 are maintained atthe low level. Accordingly, the third, seventh, and tenth switches SW3,SW7, and SW10 are turned off, and thus are depicted as being open. Inthe third type operation of the first mode, the first and secondfloating capacitors CF1 and CF2, the center capacitor CM, the first andsecond capacitors C1 and C2, and the first inductor L1 may notcontribute to a voltage converting operation of the voltage converter100 a 3. Accordingly, to describe the voltage converting operation ofthe voltage converter 100 a 3 briefly, the first and second floatingcapacitors CF1 and CF2, the center capacitor CM, the first and secondcapacitors C1 and C2, and the first inductor L1 are marked by “X” inFIG. 9.

The first voltage node VN1 is connected to the second voltage node VN2through the center node NM, the ninth switch SW9 that has beenshort-circuited, and the fourth pad P4. That is, the voltage converter100 a 3 may transfer the input voltage VIN received at the first voltagenode VN1 to the second voltage node VN2 so as to be output as the firstoutput voltage VO1. For example, the voltage converter 100 a 3 maybypass any switched capacitor voltage divider circuitry, and provide theinput voltage VIN of the first voltage node VN1 to the second voltagenode VN2 without any voltage conversion.

In FIG. 9, the third voltage node VN3 is connected to the first voltagenode VN1 through the first floating capacitor CF1 and the first inductorL1 and is connected to the ground node through the first capacitor C1.Even though the first floating capacitor CF1, the first inductor L1 andthe first capacitor C1 is marked by “X”, the mark X is conceptual(meaning that such components do not contribute to a voltage convertingoperation of the voltage converter 100 a 3), and does not mean themarked element does not work. Thus, in the case where a device connectedto the third voltage node VN3 desires a resonant circuit including thefirst floating capacitor CF1, the first inductor L1, and the firstcapacitor C1, the third voltage node VN3 may be components of thedesired resonant circuit.

In an example embodiment, when the tenth signal S10 is maintained at thehigh level, the third voltage node VN3 may be electrically connectedwith the first voltage node VN1. The voltage converter 100 a 3 may bemodified to bypass any switched capacitor voltage divider circuitry, andprovide the input voltage VIN to the third voltage node VN3 bymaintaining the tenth signal S10 at the high level such that the tenthswitch SW10 is turned on.

In the above example embodiments, elements viewed together with “X” aredescribed as not contributing to a voltage converting operation.However, the elements may contribute to at least a portion of anoperation of a voltage converter in the form of contributing voltagestabilization, and this contribution is not described in detail for thesake of simplicity.

FIG. 10 illustrates a voltage converter 100 b set to a second mode.Referring to FIG. 10, in the second mode, the voltage converter 100 bmay receive the input voltage VIN at the second voltage node VN2. Thevoltage converter 100 b may use the first voltage node VN1 as an output.For example, the voltage converter 100 b may output the first outputvoltage VO1 at the first voltage node VN1.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a first type operation in a second mode. FIG. 12illustrates a voltage converter 100 b 1 modeled depending on a firsttype operation in a second mode. Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, theninth signal S9 maintains the high level, and thus the ninth switch SW9is turned on. Accordingly, the ninth switch SW9 is depicted as beingshort-circuited.

The tenth signal S10 maintains the low level, and thus the tenth switchSW10 is turned off. Accordingly, the tenth switch SW10 is depicted asbeing open. The fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7 toggle between thelow level and the high level in synchronization with each other.Accordingly, the fifth and seventh switches SW5 and SW7 toggle (orswitch) between turn-on and turn-off in synchronization with each other.For example, a duty ratio of the fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7 maybe 50%.

The sixth and eighth signals S6 and S8 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. The sixth and eighthsignals S6 and S8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth andseventh signals S5 and S7. Accordingly, the sixth and eighth switchesSW6 and SW8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth and seventhswitches SW5 and SW7.

In response to the fifth to eighth signals S5 to S8, the fifth to eighthswitches SW5 to SW8 operate as a switched capacitor voltage doubler. Thefifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8 may double a voltage of the inputvoltage VIN transferred to the center node NM and may output the doubledvoltage through the first voltage node VN1 as the first output voltageVO1.

The first and third signals S1 and S3 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. Accordingly, thefirst to third switches SW1 and SW3 may toggle in synchronization witheach other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4 may toggle insynchronization with each other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4may toggle to be complementary to the first and third signals S1 and S3.Accordingly, the second and fourth switches SW2 and SW4 may toggle insynchronization with each other, and may toggle to be complementary tothe first and third switches SW1 and SW3. For example, a duty ratio ofeach of the first to fourth signals S1 to S4 may be 50%.

The first and third signals S1 and S3 may be synchronized with the sixthand eighth signals S6 and S8. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4may be synchronized with the fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7. Thefifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8 may operate as a voltage doubler ofa first phase, and the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 may operateas a voltage doubler of a second phase. That is, the voltage converter100 b may operate as a 2-phase voltage doubler. Accordingly, a ripple ofthe first output voltage VO1 may be suppressed.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example illustrating how to control switchesdepending on a second type operation in a second mode. FIG. 14illustrates a voltage converter 100 b 2 modeled depending on a secondtype operation in a second mode. Referring to FIGS. 10, 13, and 14, theninth signal S9 maintains the low level, and thus the ninth switch SW9is turned off. Accordingly, the ninth switch SW9 is depicted as beingopen.

The tenth signal S10 maintains the high level, and thus the tenth switchSW10 is turned on. Accordingly, the tenth switch SW10 is depicted asbeing short-circuited. The fifth and seventh signals S5 and S7 togglebetween the low level and the high level in synchronization with eachother. Accordingly, the fifth and seventh switches SW5 and SW7 toggle(or switch) between turn-on and turn-off in synchronization with eachother. For example, a duty ratio of the fifth and seventh signals S5 andS7 may be 50%.

The sixth and eighth signals S6 and S8 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. The sixth and eighthsignals S6 and S8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth andseventh signals S5 and S7. Accordingly, the sixth and eighth switchesSW6 and SW8 may toggle to be complementary to the fifth and seventhswitches SW5 and SW7.

In response to the fifth to eighth signals S5 to S8, the fifth to eighthswitches SW5 to SW8 operate as a switched capacitor voltage doubler. Thefifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8 may double a voltage of the centervoltage VM of the center node NM and may output the doubled voltagethrough the first voltage node VN1 as the first output voltage VO1.

The first and third signals S1 and S3 toggle between the low level andthe high level in synchronization with each other. Accordingly, thefirst to third switches SW1 and SW3 may toggle in synchronization witheach other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4 may toggle insynchronization with each other. The second and fourth signals S2 and S4may toggle to be complementary to the first and third signals S1 and S3.Accordingly, the second and fourth switches SW2 and SW4 may toggle insynchronization with each other and may toggle to be complementary tothe first and third switches SW1 and SW3. The third switch SW3, thefourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, and the center capacitor CMmay function as a boost converter that steps up (or boosts) the inputvoltage VIN of the second voltage node VN2. The third switch SW3, thefourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, and the center capacitor CMmay perform boost conversion on the input voltage VIN and may generatethe center voltage VM.

A level of the center voltage VM may vary depending on a duty “1-D” (ora duty ratio) of the first and third signals S1 and S3 or a duty “D” (ora duty ratio) of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4. The switchcontroller SC may adjust the level of the center voltage VM by adjustingthe duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the first and third signals S1 andS3 or the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the second and fourth signalsS2 and S4.

As the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of the first and third signals S1and S3 increases or the duty “D” (or the duty ratio) of the second andfourth signals S2 and S4 decreases, the level of the center voltage VMmay decrease. Conversely, as the duty “1-D” (or the duty ratio) of thefirst and third signals S1 and S3 decreases or the duty “D” (or the dutyratio) of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4 increases, the levelof the center voltage VM may increase. In the example embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, in which the ninth switch SW9 is turnedoff, and the tenth switch SW10 is turned on, if D equals 0.5, the first,third, fifth, and seventh switches SW1, SW3, SW5, and SW7 may toggle insynchronization with each other, and the second, fourth, sixth, andeighth switches SW2, SW4, SW6, and SW8 may toggle in synchronizationwith each other and may be complementary to the first, third, fifth, andseventh switches, respectively.

That is, the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 may perform boostconversion on the input voltage VIN of the second voltage node VN2, andmay generate the center voltage VM. The fifth to eighth switches SW5 toSW8 may double the center voltage VM and may output the doubled voltagethrough the first voltage node VN1 as the first output voltage VO1. Alevel of the first output voltage VO1 may be equal to or greater thantwo times the level of the input voltage VIN.

Because the first and third switches SW1 and SW3 and the second andfourth switches SW2 and SW4 toggle to be complementary to each other,the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 may reduce a ripple due to theswitched capacitor voltage double operation that is performed by thefifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8. For example, the fifth to eighthswitches SW5 to SW8 may function as a switched capacitor voltage doublerof a first phase, and the first to fourth switches SW1 to SW4 mayfunction as a switched capacitor voltage doubler of a replica secondphase.

In an example embodiment, the switch controller SC may adjust a dutyratio of the first and third signals S1 and S3 to 50% and may adjust aduty ratio of the second and fourth signals S2 and S4 to 50%. In thiscase, the first to eighth switches SW1 to SW8 may function as a fully2-phase switched capacitor voltage doubler, and thus, a ripple may befurther suppressed.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operating method of the voltage converter 100according to the first example embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 15,in operation S110, the voltage converter 100 may perform the first typeoperation of the first mode. In the first type operation of the firstmode, the voltage converter 100 may halve a voltage of the first voltagenode VN1 and may output the halved voltage to the second voltage nodeVN2. Further, the voltage converter 100 may perform buck conversion onthe halved voltage and may output the converted voltage to the thirdvoltage node VN3.

In operation S120, the voltage converter 100 may perform the second typeoperation of the first mode. In the second type operation of the firstmode, the voltage converter 100 may perform buck conversion on a voltageof the first voltage node VN1 and may output the converted voltage tothe third voltage node VN3 (and/or the second voltage node VN2).

In operation S130, the voltage converter 100 may perform the third typeoperation of the first mode. In the third type operation of the firstmode, the voltage converter 100 may transfer the voltage of the firstvoltage node VN1 to the second voltage node VN2.

In operation S140, the voltage converter 100 may perform the first typeoperation of the second mode. In the first type operation of the secondmode, the voltage converter 100 may double a voltage of the secondvoltage node VN2 and may output the doubled voltage to the first voltagenode VN1.

In operation S150, the voltage converter 100 may perform the second typeoperation of the second mode. In the second type operation of the secondmode, the voltage converter 100 may perform boost conversion on thevoltage of the second voltage node VN2 to generate the boosted voltage.Further, the voltage converter 100 may double the boosted voltage andmay output the doubled voltage to the first voltage node VN1.

As described above, the voltage converter 100 may be configured toperform various buck conversions, boost conversions, and bypasstransfer. Accordingly, the voltage converter 100 may be available invarious environments with high flexibility and may be used to replace aplurality of voltage converters.

For example, in the first type operation of the first mode, the firsttype operation of the second mode, and the second type operation of thesecond mode, each of the first to third voltage nodes VN1 to VN3 isconnected to a ground node through at least two switches. Accordingly, avoltage level that each switch has to endure may decrease to half thelevel of the maximum voltage used in the voltage converter 100, and thusa breakdown characteristic of each switch may be improved.

In an example embodiment, switches that are used in the voltageconverter 100 may be implemented with an NMOS transistor, a PMOStransistor, or a combination thereof. Depending on an environment wherethe voltage converter 100 is used and a desired form factor, theswitches may be implemented by an NMOS transistor, a PMOS transistor, ora combination thereof.

FIG. 16 illustrates a voltage converter 200 according to a secondexample embodiment. An integrated circuit 210 of the voltage converter200 may be the same as or substantially similar to the integratedcircuit 110 of the voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with thevoltage converter 100 of FIG. 2, the voltage converter 200 furtherincludes a second inductor L2 connected to the ninth pad P9 and a wireconnecting the second inductor L2 and the third voltage node VN3.

The switch controller SC may control the ninth and tenth signals S9 andS10 such that the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are alwaysturned off. Accordingly, in FIG. 16, the ninth and tenth switches SW9and SW10 are depicted together with “X”.

As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the third switch SW3, thefourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, and the first capacitor C1 mayoperate as a buck converter of a first phase. The seventh switch SW7,the eighth switch SW8, the second inductor L2, and the first capacitorC1 may operate as a buck converter of a second phase.

That is, the voltage converter 200 may operate as a 2-phase buckconverter. The switch controller SC may control the first to eighthsignals S1 to S8 such that the voltage converter 200 operates as a2-phase buck converter.

For example, the switch controller SC may control the first, second,fifth, and sixth signals S1, S2, S5, and S6 such that the first, second,fifth, and sixth switches SW1, SW2, SW5, and SW6 are respectivelysynchronized with the third, fourth, seventh, and eighth switches SW3,SW4, SW7, and SW8. In some example embodiments, the switch controller SCmay control the first, second, fifth, and sixth signals S1, S2, S5, andS6 such that the first, second, fifth, and sixth switches SW1, SW2, SW5,and SW6 maintain a turn-on state.

For another example, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, theswitch controller SC may implement a buck converter of a first phase byallowing the first and fourth switches SW1 and SW4 to togglecomplementarily while the second and third switches SW2 and SW3 aremaintained at a turn-on state. The switch controller SC may implement abuck converter of a second phase by allowing the fifth and eighthswitches SW5 and SW8 to toggle complementarily while the sixth andseventh switches SW6 and SW7 are maintained at a turn-on state.

In an example embodiment, in the case where the integrated circuit 210is configured to operate as a 2-phase buck converter, components notcontributing to a conversion function of the 2-phase buck converter, forexample, the first and second floating capacitors CF1 and CF2, thecenter capacitor CM, and the second capacitor C2 may be removed. Forexample, the integrated circuit 210 may be implemented as a 2-phase buckconverter by connecting the first and second inductors L1 and L2 and thefirst capacitor C1 to the integrated circuit 210.

In an example embodiment, the voltage converter 200 may be implementedas a 2-phase boost converter. When a voltage is input from the thirdvoltage node VN3, the voltage converter 200 may boost the input voltageand may output the boosted voltage at the first voltage node VN1. Forexample, the second inductor L2 and the center capacitor CM may form aboost converter of a first phase together with the seventh and eighthswitches SW7 and SW8 toggling, and the first inductor L1 and the centercapacitor CM may form a boost converter of a second phase together withthe third and fourth switches SW3 and SW4 toggling.

FIG. 17 illustrates a voltage converter 300 according to a third exampleembodiment. An integrated circuit 310 of the voltage converter 300 maybe the same as or substantially similar to the integrated circuit 110 ofthe voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with the voltage converter100 of FIG. 2, the voltage converter 300 may further include a thirdinductor L3 connected to the ninth pad P9, an eleventh switch SW11connected between the third inductor L3 and the third voltage node VN3,a fourth voltage node VN4 connected to the third inductor L3, and athird capacitor C3 connected between the fourth voltage node VN4 and theground node.

As described with reference to FIG. 16, the switch controller SC maycontrol the ninth and tenth signals S9 and S10 such that the ninth andtenth switches SW9 and SW10 are always turned off. Accordingly, in FIG.17, the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are depicted together with“X”.

The eleventh switch SW11 may be controlled by the switch controller SC.In some example embodiments, the eleventh switch SW11 may be includedwithin the integrated circuit 310 and may be connected with externalelements through pads. When the eleventh switch SW11 is turned on, thevoltage converter 300 may operate as a 2-phase buck converter (or a2-phase boost converter) (refer to FIG. 16).

When the eleventh switch SW11 is turned off, the third and fourthswitches SW3 and SW4 may operate as one buck converter together with thefirst inductor L1 and the first capacitor C1, and the seventh and eighthswitches SW7 and SW8 may operate as another buck converter together withthe third inductor L3 and the third capacitor C3. That is, the voltageconverter 300 may operate as two buck converters.

The buck converter including the seventh and eighth switches SW7 and SW8may output the second output voltage VO2 through the fourth voltage nodeVN4. In an example embodiment, in the case where the eleventh switchSW11 is removed from the voltage converter 300, a mode in which thevoltage converter 300 operates as a 2-phase buck converter may beremoved, and the voltage converter 300 may operate only as two buckconverters. Some components that do not contribute to a voltageconverting operation may be removed.

FIG. 18 illustrates a voltage converter 400 according to a fourthexample embodiment. An integrated circuit 410 of the voltage converter400 may be the same as or substantially similar to the integratedcircuit 110 of the voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with thevoltage converter 100 of FIG. 2, the first inductor L1 and the thirdvoltage node VN3 of the voltage converter 400 may be connected with thethird pad P3, not the seventh pad P7.

As described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, the voltage converter 400may operate in the first mode in which the input voltage VIN is receivedat the first voltage node VN1. Further, as described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, the voltage converter 400 may perform the first typeoperation of the first mode.

In the first type operation of the first mode, the fifth to eighthswitches SW5 to SW8 may operate as a switched capacitor voltage divider.The fifth to eighth switches SW5 to SW8 may output a voltagecorresponding to half the input voltage VIN through the second voltagenode VN2 as the first output voltage VO1.

Further, the first and second switches SW1 and SW2 may perform buckconversion on the input voltage VIN. The first and second switches SW1and SW2 may output the stepped-down voltage at the third voltage nodeVN3 as the second output voltage VO2. The second output voltage VO2 mayhave a level between the first output voltage VO1 and the input voltageVIN.

As described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the voltage converter 400may perform the second type operation of the first mode. In the secondtype operation of the first mode, the voltage converter 400 may performbulk conversion on the input voltage VIN, and may output thestepped-down voltage at the second voltage node VN2 and the thirdvoltage node VN3 as the first output voltage VO1 and the second outputvoltage VO2, respectively.

As described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the voltage converter 400may perform the third type operation of the first mode. In the thirdtype operation of the first mode, the voltage converter 400 may bypassany switched capacitor voltage divider circuitry and output the inputvoltage VIN to the second voltage node VN2 without any voltageconversion.

FIG. 19 illustrates a voltage converter 500 according to a fifth exampleembodiment. An integrated circuit 510 of the voltage converter 500 maybe the same as or substantially similar to the integrated circuit 110 ofthe voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with the voltage converter400 of FIG. 18, the voltage converter 500 further includes a secondinductor L2 connected to the eighth pad P8 and a wire connecting thesecond inductor L2 and the third voltage node VN3.

The switch controller SC may control the ninth and tenth signals S9 andS10 such that the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are alwaysturned off. Accordingly, in FIG. 19, the ninth and tenth switches SW9and SW10 are depicted together with “X”.

As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the third switch SW3, thefourth switch SW4, the first inductor L1, and the first capacitor C1 mayoperate as a buck converter of a first phase. The seventh switch SW7,the eighth switch SW8, the second inductor L2, and the first capacitorC1 may operate as a buck converter of a second phase.

That is, the voltage converter 500 may operate as a 2-phase buckconverter. The switch controller SC may control the first to eighthsignals S1 to S8 such that the voltage converter 500 operates as a2-phase buck converter.

For example, the switch controller SC may control the first, second,fifth, and sixth signals S1, S2, S5, and S6 such that the first, second,fifth, and sixth switches SW1, SW2, SW5, and SW6 are synchronized withthe third, fourth, seventh, and eighth switches SW3, SW4, SW7, and SW8,respectively. In some example embodiments, the switch controller SC maycontrol the first, second, fifth, and sixth signals S1, S2, S5, and S6such that the first, second, fifth, and sixth switches SW1, SW2, SW5,and SW6 maintain a turn-on state.

For another example, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, theswitch controller SC may implement a buck converter of a first phase byallowing the first and fourth switches SW1 and SW4 to togglecomplementarily while the second and third switches SW2 and SW3 aremaintained at a turn-on state. The switch controller SC may implement abuck converter of a second phase by allowing the fifth and eighthswitches SW5 and SW8 to toggle complementarily while the sixth andseventh switches SW6 and SW7 are maintained at a turn-on state.

In an example embodiment, in the case where the voltage converter 500 isconfigured to operate as a 2-phase buck converter, components notcontributing to a conversion function of the 2-phase buck converter, forexample, the first and second floating capacitors CF1 and CF2, thecenter capacitor CM, and the second capacitor C2 may be removed. Thatis, the integrated circuit 510 may be implemented as a 2-phase buckconverter by connecting the first and second inductors L1 and L2 and thefirst capacitor C1 to the integrated circuit 510.

In an example embodiment, the voltage converter 500 may be implementedas a 2-phase boost converter. In this case, one capacitor, for example,a boost capacitor (not shown) may be further connected between the firstpad P1 and the ground node. When a voltage is input from the thirdvoltage node VN3, the voltage converter 500 may boost the input voltageand may output the boosted voltage at the first voltage node VN1.

For example, the second inductor L2 and the boost capacitor may form aboost converter of a first phase together with the fifth and sixthswitches SW5 and SW6 toggling, and the first inductor L1 and the boostcapacitor may form a boost converter of a second phase together with thefirst and second switches SW1 and SW2 toggling.

FIG. 20 illustrates a voltage converter 600 according to a sixth exampleembodiment. An integrated circuit 610 of the voltage converter 600 maybe the same as or substantially similar to the integrated circuit 110 ofthe voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with the voltage converter400 of FIG. 18, the voltage converter 600 may further include a thirdinductor L3 connected to the eighth pad P8, an eleventh switch SW11connected between the third inductor L3 and the third voltage node VN3,a fourth voltage node VN4 connected to the third inductor L3, and athird capacitor C3 connected between the fourth voltage node VN4 and theground node.

As described with reference to FIG. 19, the switch controller SC maycontrol the ninth and tenth signals S9 and S10 such that the ninth andtenth switches SW9 and SW10 are always turned off. Accordingly, in FIG.20, the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are depicted together with“X”.

The eleventh switch SW11 may be controlled by the switch controller SC.The eleventh switch SW11 may be included within the integrated circuit610 and may be connected with external elements through pads. When theeleventh switch SW11 is turned on, the voltage converter 600 may operateas a 2-phase buck converter (or a 2-phase boost converter) (refer toFIG. 19).

When the eleventh switch SW11 is turned off, the first and secondswitches SW1 and SW2 may operate as one buck converter together with thefirst inductor L1 and the first capacitor C1, and the fifth and sixthswitches SW5 and SW6 may operate as another buck converter together withthe third inductor L3 and the third capacitor C3. That is, the voltageconverter 600 may operate as two buck converters.

The buck converter including the fifth and sixth switches SW5 and SW6may output the second output voltage VO2 through the fourth voltage nodeVN4. In an example embodiment, in the case where the eleventh switchSW11 is removed from the voltage converter 300, the voltage converter600 may not operate as a 2-phase buck converter, and may operate only astwo buck converters. As described with reference to FIG. 19, somecomponents that do not contribute to a voltage converting operation maybe removed.

FIG. 21 illustrates a voltage converter 700 according to a seventhexample embodiment. An integrated circuit 710 of the voltage converter700 may be the same as or substantially similar to the integratedcircuit 110 of the voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with thevoltage converter 100 of FIG. 2, the voltage converter 700 may furtherinclude a third inductor L3 connected to the eighth pad P8, a fourthvoltage node VN4 connected to the third inductor L3, and a thirdcapacitor C3 connected between the fourth voltage node VN4 and theground node.

As described with reference to FIG. 19, the switch controller SC maycontrol the ninth and tenth signals S9 and S10 such that the ninth andtenth switches SW9 and SW10 are always turned off. Accordingly, in FIG.21, the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are depicted together with“X”.

The first inductor L1 and the first capacitor C1 may operate as one buckconverter together with the third and fourth switches SW3 and SW4toggling complementarily or the first and fourth switches SW1 and SW4(refer to FIGS. 6 and 7) toggling complementarily. The one buckconverter may output the first output voltage VO1 at the third voltagenode VN3. The first output voltage VO1 may be adjusted within a rangebetween the ground voltage and half the input voltage VIN.

The third inductor L3 and the third capacitor C3 may operate as one buckconverter together with the fifth and sixth switches SW5 and SW6toggling complementarily or the fifth and eighth switches SW5 and SW8(refer to FIGS. 6 and 7) toggling complementarily. Another buckconverter may output the second output voltage VO2 at the fourth voltagenode VN4. The second output voltage VO2 may be adjusted within a rangebetween half the input voltage VIN and the input voltage VIN.

FIG. 22 illustrates a voltage converter 800 according to an eighthexample embodiment. An integrated circuit 810 of the voltage converter800 may be the same as or substantially similar to the integratedcircuit 110 of the voltage converter 100 of FIG. 2. Compared with thevoltage converter 400 of FIG. 18, the voltage converter 800 may furtherinclude a third inductor L3 connected to the ninth pad P9, a fourthvoltage node VN4 connected to the third inductor L3, and a thirdcapacitor C3 connected between the fourth voltage node VN4 and theground node.

As described with reference to FIG. 19, the switch controller SC maycontrol the ninth and tenth signals S9 and S10 such that the ninth andtenth switches SW9 and SW10 are always turned off. Accordingly, in FIG.21, the ninth and tenth switches SW9 and SW10 are depicted together with“X”.

The first inductor L1 and the first capacitor C1 may operate as one buckconverter together with the first and second switches SW1 and SW2toggling complementarily or the first and fourth switches SW1 and SW4(refer to FIGS. 6 and 7) toggling complementarily. The one buckconverter may output the first output voltage VO1 at the third voltagenode VN3. The first output voltage VO1 may be adjusted within a rangebetween half the input voltage VIN and the input voltage VIN.

The third inductor L3 and the third capacitor C3 may operate as one buckconverter together with the seventh and eighth switches SW7 and SW8toggling complementarily or the fifth and eighth switches SW5 and SW8(refer to FIGS. 6 and 7) toggling complementarily. Another buckconverter may output the second output voltage VO2 at the fourth voltagenode VN4. The second output voltage VO2 may be adjusted within a rangebetween the ground voltage and half the input voltage VIN.

As described above, an integrated circuit according to an embodiment ofthe inventive concepts may be connected with various components and thusmay be implemented as various voltage converters. Accordingly, theflexibility of a voltage converter may be improved, and it may bepossible to replace a plurality of voltage converters.

FIG. 23 illustrates a computing system 1000 according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts. Referring to FIG. 23, thecomputing system 1000 may include a mobile device 1100, a powersupplying device 1200, and an on-the-go (OTG) device 1300.

The mobile device 1100 may include a processor 1110, a connector (CON)1120, a detector 130, a voltage converter 1140, a battery 1150, and abattery power regulator 1160.

The processor 1110 may control the components of the mobile device 1100and may execute various codes, operating systems, firmware, andapplications for the purpose of driving the mobile device 1100. Theprocessor 1110 may include an application processor (AP).

The connector (CON) 1120 may be connected with an external device. Forexample, the connector 1120 may include a structure and a protocolcomplying with the standard of a universal serial bus (USB).

The detector 1130 may detect whether a power is supplied from theexternal device through the connector 1120. When it is determined that apower is supplied from the external device, the detector 1130 maytransfer a detection signal DET to the processor 1110. Also, thedetector 1130 may detect whether the OTG device 1300 is connected to theconnector 1120. When it is determined that the OTG device 1300 isconnected to the connector 1120, the detector 1130 may transfer thedetection signal DET to the processor 1110. The detection signal DET maybe transferred together with information about the connected device.

The voltage converter 1140 may include the voltage converter 100 of FIG.2 or the voltage converter 400 of FIG. 18. The voltage converter 1140may include the first voltage node VN1 connected to the connector 1120,the second voltage node VN2 connected to the battery 1150, and the thirdvoltage node VN3 connected to the processor 1110.

The battery 1150 may be charged based on a power supplied from theoutside and may supply a power to the battery power regulator 1160. Thebattery power regulator 1160 may regulate a level of a voltagetransferred from the battery 1150 and may supply the voltage of theregulated level to the processor 1110.

The power supplying device 1200 may supply a power to the mobile device1100 when coupled to the connector 1120. In response to the supply ofthe power, the detector 1130 may transfer, to the processor 1110, thedetection signal DET indicating that the power supplying device 1200 isconnected. In response to the detection signal DET, the processor 1110may allow the voltage converter 1140 to perform the first type operationof the first mode.

The voltage converter 1140 may output a voltage corresponding to halfthe voltage supplied through the first voltage node VN1 to the secondvoltage node VN2. The battery 1150 may be charged by the voltage outputto the second voltage node VN2. Further, the voltage converter 1140 mayperform buck conversion on the voltage of the second voltage node VN2(or a voltage input through the first voltage node VN1) and may outputthe stepped-down voltage to the third voltage node VN3. The processor1110 may operate by using the voltage of the third voltage node VN3.

In an example embodiment, depending on levels of voltages desired in themobile device 1100, the processor 1110 may allow the voltage converter1140 to perform the first type operation, the second type operation, orthe third type operation of the first mode.

When the power supplying device 1200 is separated from the mobile device1100, the detector 1130 may deactivate the detection signal DET. Inresponse to the deactivation of the detection signal DET, the processor1110 may deactivate the voltage converter 1140. The battery powerregulator 1160 may supply voltages to the processor 1110 by using apower charged at the battery 1150. The processor 1110 may operate byusing voltages supplied from the battery power regulator 1160.

When the OTG device 1300 is connected to the connector 1120, thedetector 1130 may transfer, to the processor 1110, the detection signalDET indicating that the OTG device 1300 is connected. In response to thedetection signal DET, the processor 1110 may allow the voltage converter1140 to operate in the second mode.

The voltage converter 1140 may receive a voltage of the battery 1150 atthe second voltage node VN2. The voltage converter 1140 may performboost conversion on the voltage of the battery 1150, and may output theconverted voltage to the first voltage node VN1. The connector 1120 maysupply a voltage output from the first voltage node VN1 to the OTGdevice 1300. For example, depending on a level of a voltage desired inthe OTG device 1300, the processor 1110 may allow the voltage converter1140 to perform the first type operation or the second type operation ofthe second mode.

As described above, in an environment where various voltage conversionsare used in turn, the voltage converter 1140 may be variously configuredto perform various voltage conversions. Accordingly, manufacturing costsand the size of the mobile device 1100 may decrease.

In the above-described example embodiments, voltage converters aredescribed by using the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and the like.However, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and the like may be usedto distinguish components from each other and do not limit the inventiveconcepts. For example, the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, and thelike do not involve an order or a numerical meaning of any form.

In the above example embodiments, components according to embodiments ofthe inventive concepts are described by using blocks. The blocks may beimplemented with various hardware devices, such as an integratedcircuit, an application specific IC (ASCI), a field programmable gatearray (FPGA), and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), firmwaredriven in hardware devices, or a combination of a hardware device andsoftware. Further, the blocks may include circuits implemented withsemiconductor elements in an integrated circuit or circuits enrolled ascircuits or intellectual property (IP).

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts, avoltage converter may be configured to perform various buck conversionsand boost conversions depending on a level of power to be internallyprovided based on power supplied from the outside or a level of powerdesired to be supplied to the outside. Accordingly, voltage convertersaccording to some example embodiment of the inventive concepts mayreplace a plurality of buck converters and a plurality of boostconverters, and thus manufacturing costs and the size of a mobile devicemay decrease.

While the inventive concepts has been described with reference to someexample embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that various changes and modifications may be madethereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiveconcepts as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A voltage converter comprising: a switchedcapacitor block connected between a first voltage node and a groundnode, the switched capacitor block including a plurality of firstswitches and a plurality of capacitors; a path control block connectedto a second voltage node, a third voltage node, and the switchedcapacitor block, the path control block including a plurality of secondswitches; and a passive element block connected to the second voltagenode, the third voltage node, and the switched capacitor block, thepassive element block including one or more capacitors and one or moreinductors, wherein the voltage converter is configured to, in a firsttype operation, receive a first voltage at the first voltage node,convert the first voltage, and transfer the converted first voltage toat least one of the second voltage node or the third voltage node, in asecond type operation, receive a second voltage at the first voltagenode and transfer the second voltage to the second voltage node, and ina third type operation, receive a third voltage at the second voltagenode, convert the third voltage, and transfer the converted thirdvoltage to the first voltage node.
 2. The voltage converter of claim 1,wherein in the first type operation, the converting the first voltageincludes a buck conversion, and in the third type operation, theconverting the third voltage includes a boost conversion.
 3. A voltageconverter comprising: a switched capacitor block connected between afirst voltage node and a ground node, the switched capacitor blockincluding a plurality of switches and a plurality of capacitors; a pathcontrol block connected to a second voltage node, a third voltage node,and the switched capacitor block, the path control block including aplurality of control switches; and a passive element block connected tothe second voltage node, the third voltage node, and the switchedcapacitor block, the passive element block including one or morecapacitors and one or more inductors, wherein the passive elements blockincludes a center capacitor connected between a center node of theswitched capacitor and a ground node.
 4. The voltage converter of claim3, wherein the passive elements block further includes: a firstcapacitor connected between the third voltage node and the ground node;and a second capacitor connected between the second voltage node and theground node.
 5. The voltage converter of claim 3, wherein the pathcontrol block includes: a first control switch connected between thesecond voltage node and the center node; and a second control switchconnected between the second voltage node and the third voltage node. 6.The voltage converter of claim 3, wherein the voltage converter isconfigured to selectively perform: a first type operation of receiving afirst voltage at the first voltage node, converting the first voltage,and transferring the converted first voltage to at least one of thesecond voltage node or the third voltage node; a second type operationof receiving a second voltage at the first voltage node and transferringthe second voltage to the second voltage node; and a third typeoperation of receiving a third voltage at the second voltage node,converting the third voltage, and transferring the converted thirdvoltage to the first voltage node.
 7. The voltage converter of claim 6,wherein in the first type operation, the converting the first voltageincludes a buck conversion, and in the third type operation, theconverting the third voltage includes a boost conversion.
 8. The voltageconverter of claim 3, wherein the switched capacitor block includes:first to fourth switches sequentially connected between the firstvoltage node and the ground node; fifth to eighth switches sequentiallyconnected between the first voltage node and the ground node, the fifthto eighth switches being parallel with the first to fourth switches; afirst floating capacitor connected between a first node between thefirst and second switches and a second node between the third and fourthswitches; and a second floating capacitor connected between a third nodebetween the fifth and sixth switches and a fourth node between theseventh and eighth switches.
 9. The voltage converter of claim 8,wherein the center node is a node to which a node between the second andthird switches and a node between the sixth and seventh switches areconnected in common.
 10. The voltage converter of claim 8, wherein thepassive elements block further includes: an inductor connected betweenthe second node and the third voltage node.
 11. The voltage converter ofclaim 8, wherein the passive elements block further includes: aninductor connected between the first node and the third voltage node.12. The voltage converter of claim 8, wherein a first voltage isreceived at the first voltage node, a second voltage having half a levelof the first voltage is output at the second voltage node, and a levelof a third voltage output at the third voltage node is changed by a dutyratio at which the first and third switches toggle.
 13. The voltageconverter of claim 8, wherein a first voltage is received at the firstvoltage node, a level of a second voltage output at the second voltagenode is changed by a duty ratio at which the first switch toggles, and athird voltage output at the third voltage node is identical to thesecond voltage.
 14. The voltage converter of claim 8, wherein a firstvoltage is received at the first voltage node, and the first voltage isoutput at the second voltage node.
 15. The voltage converter of claim 8,wherein a first voltage is received at the second voltage node, and alevel of a second voltage output at the first voltage node is equal toor greater than two times a level of the first voltage.
 16. The voltageconverter of claim 8, wherein a first voltage is received at the secondvoltage node, and a level of a second voltage output at the firstvoltage node is equal to or greater than two times a level of the firstvoltage.
 17. The voltage converter of claim 8, wherein the passiveelement block further includes: an inductor connected between the fourthnode and the third voltage node.
 18. The voltage converter of claim 8,wherein the passive elements block further includes: an inductorconnected between a fourth voltage node and the fourth node; a capacitorconnected between the fourth voltage node and the ground node; and aswitch connected between the fourth voltage node and the third voltagenode.
 19. A voltage converter comprising: a switched capacitor blockconnected between a first voltage node and a ground node, the switchedcapacitor block including a plurality of switches and a plurality ofcapacitors; a path control block connected to a second voltage node, athird voltage node, and the switched capacitor block, the path controlblock including a plurality of control switches; and a passive elementblock connected to the second voltage node, the third voltage node, andthe switched capacitor block, the passive element block including one ormore capacitors and one or more inductors, wherein the path controlblock includes, a first control switch connected between the secondvoltage node and a center node of the switched capacitor block, and asecond control switch connected between the second voltage node and thethird voltage node.
 20. The voltage converter of claim 19, wherein theswitched capacitor block includes: first to fourth switches sequentiallyconnected between the first voltage node and the ground node; fifth toeighth switches sequentially connected between the first voltage nodeand the ground node, the fifth to eighth switches being parallel withthe first to fourth switches; a first floating capacitor connectedbetween a first node between the first and second switches and a secondnode between the third and fourth switches; and a second floatingcapacitor connected between a third node between the fifth and sixthswitches and a fourth node between the seventh and eighth switches,wherein the center node is a node to which a node between the second andthird switches and a node between the sixth and seventh switches areconnected in common.